24/10/07

Smash EDO Fishersgate Rooftop Protesters celebrate as all charges are dropped

For more info call 07875708873 or email smashedopress@yahoo.co.uk

Two anti-arms campaigners who were charged with 'Aggravated Trespass' after climbing on the roof of EDO MBM Fishersgate have had all charges against them dropped.

The two protesters scaled the side of EDO-MBM’s arms factory in Fishersgate, Brighton on 30th august this year. The pair, both students at Sussex University, climbed onto the roof and unfurled a banner in protest of EDO-MBM’s manufacture of weapons for the US, UK and Israeli militaries, whose combined firepower have caused the deaths of over 1 million civilians in the middle east and central Asia.

A triumphant roof climber told us that “not many people knew about Edo’s second arms factory in Fishersgate. Our action has lifted the veil of secrecy from Sussex’s no.1 war criminals.” Lots of other people came to protest on the ground and were able to speak to the workers and other people who lived/worked in the area about the factory.

During the rooftop protest Sussex police tried to enlist the help of the local firefighters to bring the pair down but, once on the scene, the firefighters refused stating that they supported their struggle against the arms trade.

Having failed at all previous attempts to secure convictions against rooftop protesters, Sussex police used a cherry picker to deliver a warning to the pair. However, despite clearly hearing the warning, the crown prosecution service decided that, as there was insufficient evidence that the two intended to cause harassment, intimidation or disruption.

The action took place during the Smash Edo week of direct action. A peace camp in Mouslecoomb Wild Park had been set up. One of the campers told us that “Sussex police sneakily used the opportunity of protesters being in Fishersgate to steal tents from the camp.” It really is strange how Sussex police try to stifle legitimate protest while a large section of the community applaud it."

For more info call 07875708873 or email smashedopress@yahoo.co.uk

Notes for Journalists

EDO MBM Technologies Ltd are the sole UK subsidiary of huge U.S arms conglomerate EDO Corp, which was recently named No. 10 in the Forbes list of 100 fastest growing companies. They supply bomb release mechanisms to the US and UK armed forces amongstothers. They supply crucial components for Raytheon's Paveway guided bomb system, widely used in the "Shock and Awe" campaign in Iraq .

Campaign against EDO MBM
People involved in the anti-EDO campaign include, but are not limited to: local residents, the Brighton Quakers, peace activists, anti-capitalists, Palestine Solidarity groups, human rights groups, trade unionists, academics and students. The campaign started in August 2004 with a peace camp. It's avowed aim is to expose EDO MBM and their complicity in war crimes and to remove them from Brighton.

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